Mountain House Municipal Code Ch. 6 Underground Utilities

The intent of this Chapter is to specify the requirements for underground utilities.

(Ord. 2024-18, § 1(Exh. A), 2024)

Utility distribution facilities shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Underground Distribution and Transmission. All utility distribution and transmission facilities supplying electric, communication, or similar service within, or passing through, any development project shall be placed underground. The word "facilities" as used herein shall not include standards used for street lighting, traffic signals, pedestals for police and fire system communications and alarms, pad-mounted transformers, pedestals, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets, concealed ducts, substations, and facilities used to carry voltage higher than thirty-five thousand (35,000) volts.

(b) Location for Underground Facilities. Underground distribution facilities for public utilities shall be located in a public right-of-way or public utility easement. No public utility distribution facilities shall be located outside a public right-of-way or public utility easement except in providing service to the parcel on which they are located.

(c) Rural Residential Subdivision. In rural residential subdivisions, the Review Authority may waive the requirement for underground facilities if it finds that such undergrounding is economically infeasible, incompatible with the surrounding area, or impossible because of soil or topography.

(d) Location of Overhead Utilities. Overhead utility lines, when permitted by the Review Authority, shall be located in a utility easement at the rear of lots or parcels and along the side of lots or parcels when necessary. The precise location approved by the Department of Public Works. Poles supporting such overhead lines shall not be installed within any alley, way, drainage easement, or flood control channel.

(e) Timing of Installation. Any underground utility improvements, installed or to be installed in a subdivision by the subdivider, which cross underneath the right-of-way of any street, alley, or way shall be installed prior to the improvement of any such street, alley, or way in the subdivision.

(Ord. 2024-18, § 1(Exh. A), 2024)